Since the beginning of 2022, I have only managed to get the moth-trap out for a couple of marginally suitable nights, with only one moth being attracted to the light. Having looked at the weather forecast in my area for the next week, there appears to be little opportunity to put the trap out in the near future.
Within the moth family of Notodontidae, there is a group of moths known as the Prominents which I have always found fascinating. I find them to be subtly beautiful moths and their cryptic markings in various shades of grey and brown offer superb camouflage when they roost amongst twigs and leaf litter.
The group is named after the prominent tufts that protrude from the hind edge of the forewings. These tufts help to break up the outline of the moths when they are at rest. With the exception of a few species, they are a relatively common group.
I have put together some images of Prominents that regularly appear in my garden.
Iron Prominent (Notodonta dromedarius)
